Adequate lighting is as important a consideration in homes for Aging Adults as almost any other factor. The brightest areas should include Kitchens, Baths, Stairways, Garages, and of course outside Walkways and Porches. The reasons are quite obvious. Kitchens are where many potentially dangerous activities are performed: using sharp objects, handling hot items, slippery floor possibilities, setting controls for appliances such as ovens and microwaves, and the use of very hot water for many reasons. The Bath is similar in that water temperatures, floor conditions, and personal hygiene activities (such as shaving ) should have illumination at higher levels than say what the Bedroom offers. Task lighting must be provided where falls are most likely to occur.

Night lights that are appropriately placed also provide extra safety and convenience. Today there are an almost limitless variety of light fixtures and other illuminating devices available for any problem area in the home. Aisle lights to light stairs, rope lighting for highlighting handrails, under-cabinet task lights for Kitchens, etc. can all be easily incorporated to provide the best possible insurance that accidents which may occur will not be due to poor lighting.

Author

Robert C. Siegle is a 1967 Graduate of the University of Michigan School of Architecture, College of Art & Design and has a BS Degree in Design. He has been creating home designs for individual clients since 1972.